Republicans React To Governor Shapiro’s Budget Proposal

Bernstine Slams Shapiro’s Out-of-Control Spending, Warns Families Will Pay the Price

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) issued the following statement regarding Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed $53.26 billion budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, a 5.4% increase over last year:

“The governor’s budget is out of touch and out of control. He wants to spend billions more than we take in, and he’s relying on new taxes and one-time revenue to cover the difference. On top of that, he plans to raid the Rainy Day Fund, the savings set aside to protect Pennsylvania during tough times, to pay for ongoing spending. That is reckless and a betrayal of every taxpayer who counted on that fund for emergencies.

“This proposal does nothing to address the real problems facing our communities. Kids are being kept in failing government schools with no meaningful reforms, and parents are left with fewer choices for quality education. Meanwhile, costs for everyday necessities are rising, making life harder for working families.

“Public safety is being shortchanged, while spending continues to grow unchecked. Depending on revenue from gambling and marijuana is reckless and puts the long-term stability of our state at risk.

“This budget is unrealistic, irresponsible and unsustainable. I will oppose it and continue fighting for a government that lives within its means, keeps families safe and prioritizes education that actually works for Pennsylvania students.”

Brown Raises Concerns About Governor’s Budget Proposal, Long-Term Tax Risks

On Feb. 3, 2026, Rep. Marla Brown (R-Allegheny) listens to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s annual budget address.

HARRISBURG – Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) joined her colleagues today in a joint session of the General Assembly as Gov. Josh Shapiro delivered his budget address. The governor proposed a $53.26 billion budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, a 5.4% spending increase over the current year.

Following the address, Brown issued the following statement:

“As with any budget address, this proposal is a starting point. The conversation begins and my hope is it ultimately leads to a fiscally responsible budget Pennsylvanians can afford.

“The overall spending level the governor proposed today is simply too high. We need to start dealing in reality. Our economy is not growing fast enough to sustain this level of spending, yet the budget lacks a meaningful focus on policies that would drive long term economic growth, job creation and competitiveness.

“Energy costs have skyrocketed for families, seniors and employers across Pennsylvania. Instead of addressing these rising costs and supporting affordable, reliable energy production, the governor’s proposal misses an opportunity to provide relief and strengthen our economic foundation.

“Although the governor claims this budget does not raise taxes, it absolutely risks doing so in the future. To balance his plan, the governor relies on $6.46 billion in new revenue, including transferring $4.58 billion from the Rainy Day Fund, nearly 60% of that fund. The Rainy Day Fund exists to protect taxpayers during economic downturns, not to support ongoing spending that cannot be sustained long term.

“The governor is again proposing nearly $1.9 billion in new revenue through changes to our tax structure, including taxing skill games and legalizing recreational marijuana. I will never vote for a budget that legalizes adult use recreational marijuana. Any potential revenue would be outweighed by the societal costs, including increased addiction, health care demands, workplace accidents and lost productivity. I strongly oppose this direction.”

“I was also disappointed by the governor’s remarks regarding expanding the statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases, especially his decision to single out the Catholic Church and suggest legislators are being influenced by lobbyists. These are serious issues that deserve respectful discussion, not rhetoric that divides or undermines the legislative process.

“As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I look forward to working with my colleagues and the governor to ensure a fiscally responsible budget is passed and that it benefits all Pennsylvanians.”

For more information on the 2026-27 state budget, go to www.PABudget.com.

Vogel: We Will Be Focused on Advancing Policies to Improve PA’s Fiscal Health and Bolster Its Future

HARRISBURG – Following Gov. Josh Shapiro’s $53.3 billion dollar budget proposal, which increases spending by 5.4% and would risk potential future tax increases on Pennsylvania taxpayers, Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) released the following statement:

“After listening to the governor again tout a fiscally irresponsible budget that prioritizes taking more money out of the pockets of taxpayers, I stand with my Senate Republican colleagues as we focus on a more responsible and spending-conscious approach to this year’s budget that prioritizes Pennsylvanians.

“His bold proposals sound good on paper but the funds aren’t there to support these requests. We shouldn’t have to raid things like our Rainy Day Fund – one-time dollars – to support recurring budget costs.

“We will continue, as we have the last three years, to work on limiting spending increases and enact pro-growth, pro-Pennsylvania policies that allow our commonwealth and its residents to have a prosperous future.”